Notes

On Monday, October 3, 2016 I performed an experiment about the strength of two different types of paper plates. Will the differences in types of plates make a difference in their ability to hold weight while wet?

One plate was a simple, inexpensive, flimsy paper plate, and the other was coated with a layer of plastic which made it seem stronger. My hypothesis, or guess of what will happen, is that the coated plate will last longer with two tablespoons of water poured on it and be able to endure weight over a thirty minute period of time. I think the uncoated plate will tear and not hold weight.

After adding the water to each plate, I checked each plate at ten minute intervals. After ten minutes, I observed no change in the coated plate, but the uncoated plate started to appear warped and the water was soaking in. I placed two pounds on each plate, and both endured the weight. After twenty minutes, still no change on coated plate, but the uncoated plate bowed when I added the two pounds. After thirty minutes, I again observed the two plates. The flimsy plate had absorbed most of the water, but the coated plate still had a small puddle of water as when we poured it on. There was no absorption and it held the two pounds with no change to its shape. But the flimsy plate was unsturdy and bowing with the weight.

The independent variable in my experiment was the water, and the dependent variables were the plates. I used the same measurements of liquid on each plate, and I observed each at same intervals of time in ten minute units.

My hypothesis that the coated plate will last longer and sustain weight was incorrect. Both types of plates lasted and held weight for the duration of my thirty minute experiment, even though the flimsy plate bowed and got soggy. This surprised me.

I didn’t repeat the experiment, but if I did, I would try using more weight and see what happens.